Firefighter IDed as Nathan Flynn; home listed as residence of Howard County Council candidate Janet Siddiqui
Officials have identified a veteran Howard County firefighter who died after falling through the floor of a home in a 7-alarm Clarksville fire.
Crews were called around 2 a.m. Monday to a home on Woodscape Drive for a fire.
The firefighter was on the first floor of the home when it collapsed and he fell through second floor to the basement. Fellow firefighters had a difficult time finding the injured firefighter because of the smoke within the home. It took them 20 minutFirefighter T-Shirt
The injured firefighter was taken to Howard County General Hospital in critical condition, where he later died. Howard County Deputy Fire Chief William Anuszewski notified the family of his death around 5:30 a.m.
The firefighter was identified as Nathan Flynn, a 13-year veteran assigned to Station 10, officials said. A resident of Havre de Grace, Flynn was also a volunteer firefighter with Susquehanna Hose Company and a member of the Harford County Technical Rescue Team, officials said.
"It's a hard day. It's a hard day for us. We need to lean on each other as a family. We need to stay strong. We need to stay together and we need to help the Flynns" Anuszewski said.
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The fire likely started because of a lightning strike, officials said. The fire was knocked down around noon Monday, officials said.
"Our job now is to make sure that his family and our brother are laid to rest with dignity and with all the honors that we can provide to them. It's also our job to take care of the family forever," said Rich Ruehl, president of the International Association of Firefighters.
Flynn's body was taken to the medical examiner's office. Funeral plans are forthcoming.
Three people reportedly made it out of the home safely. The house is listed as the residence of Janet Siddiqui, who is running for Howard County Council, WBAL-TV 11 News has learned.
OFFICIAL OFFER CONDOLENCES
"On behalf of the citizens of Harford County we salute Nate for his service and his bravery, and we are grief-stricken for the young family that he leaves behind. Our community will support them in any way that they need during this difficult time. We pray for Nate, his family, and his fire service brothers and sisters in both counties," Harford County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement.
In a tweet, Gov. Larry Hogan said he is "Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of a Howard County firefighter as he bravely worked to save others' lives. The First Lady and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to his family, fellow firefighters, and loved ones as we mourn the loss of a hero."
Hogan ordered the U.S. flag and Maryland State flag be lowered to half-staff effective immediately to honor Flynn, who died in the line of duty.
Stay with WBALTV.com and 11 News for more on this developing story.
Flag Status Alert: United States Flag and Maryland State Flag are at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Larry Hogan ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag be lowered to half-staff... facebook.com/MarylandStateP…
We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of a @HCDFRS Firefighter this morning. Every day, the men and women in blue constantly put their lives on the line to save others wbaltv.com/article/firefi… @MayorPugh50 @ChiefNilesRFord
Flames have reignited at this seven alarm fire in Clarksville where a firefighter has died. Details at #WBAL
Our members send their most sincere condolences to our Brothers and Sisters @HCDFRS. We will keep this firefighter, along with his family and friends, in our thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts this morning are with our friends @HCDFRS after the line of duty death of one of their members in a 7-alarm house fire in #Clarksville. EA
My colleague @HoCoGovExec has let us know that his fallen fire fighter is a @HarfordCountyMD resident. We pray for his family on this sad morning and salute his service.
